Water top



July 30, 1929. o. B. HUNTER WATER TOP 2 Sheets-Sfieet Filed July 21, 1927 l NVENTOR ATTORNI IY Patented July 30, 1929.

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OMER BENJAMIN HUNTER, OF CHICKASI-IA, exterior/LA;

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Application filed July 21,

This invention relates to amusement apparatus and more particularly to apparatus of this character for use in comparatively shallow water. I

A primary object of the invention is to provide a whirlable anchored float capable of supporting heavy loads and which is especially adapted for use on beaches and in pools to afford amusement for bathers who climb onto the float and during the whirling thereof endeavor to retain their positions on the float and avoid being thrown therefrom into the water and which operates similar to the rotating platforms used on land.

Another object of the invention is to construct an apparatus of this character equipped with air chambers to increase the buoyancy thereof.

In carrying out these objects, the invention is susceptible of a wide range of modification without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the claimed invention; there being shown in the drawings for illustrative purposes a preferred and practical form, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus in use;

Fig. 2 represents a vertical section of an apparatus embodying this invention taken on a small scale;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view thereof, and

Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of one form of anchor used.

The apparatus which may be constructed in many different forms is here shown in the form of a float 1 comprising a platform 2 constructed of twelve gauge steel with all edges finished smooth, and which may be of any desired size preferably about eight feet. in diameter, with an air chamber 3 located on its lower face and made in the form of an inverted cone formed on the lower face of the platform, said cone being preferably about two feet deep and seven feet six inches in diameter and which while operating to provide buoyancy for the float also permits it to tilt according to the shifting of the weight on the platform. A platform of this size operates best in water about four to five feet deep but may be adjusted to water from three feet six inches to five feet six inches in depth.

Extending through the platform and the apex of the cone 3 and made integral therewith or permanently fixed thereto in any 192?. Serial No. 207,459.

float which is designed to rotate on a shaft 5 which extends through the tube 4; and has a hand wheel 6 fixed to the upper end thereof While its lower end is connected by a universal joint 7 with an anchor 8. This anchor may be of any sultable or desired constructionand is here shown in the form of a heavy rod bent in the form shown in Fig. 3 with the ends 9 and 10 thereof extended in opposite directions to form a secure connection with an anchor block 11 preferably constructed of concrete and of any desired shape and suitable size to ensure the anchoring of the float at the bottom of the water in which it is to be used. The block 11 is here shown rectangular and has embedded therein above the base of the anchoring member 8, a suitable reinforce in the form of bars 12 arranged to intersect each other and thereby securely hold the anchor in the block.

The shaft 5 is preferably about one and three eighths inches in diameter and seven feet long.

A sleeve 13 one and one-half inches diameter and about twelve inches long encircles the upper end of the shaft 5 and is riveted thereto directly under the hand wheel 6 when installed. This wheel 6 is secured to the shaft 5 by any suitable means a set screw 14 and a key 15 being here shown for this purpose. The handwheel may be either in the form of a disk or have spokes as here shown. 7 a

A rubber tube 16 about two inches and a half in diameter and eighteen inches long covers the working parts between the handwheel and the platform and protects them.

The platform is shown with a rolled reinformed rim 17 and with oval cleats 18 radithe hand wheel in hand over hand fashion thereby causing the platform to rotate and the shifting of the positions of the persons joint connection between the shaft 0 anchor 8 eliminates friction and at the sameon the platform will cause it to tilt and de posit its load into the Water. The universal and time permits the platform to tilt as well as rotate producing a gyrating movement which greatly increases the thrill of the passengers.

It is to be understood that the platform maybe anchored by any suitable means, one embodiment only being herein shown.

Without further description it is thought that the features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and it will of course be understood that changes in the form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to, Without departing from the spirit of the invention or its scope as claimed.

I claim 1. The combination of an anchor, an upright shaft having a universal connection with said anchor, a float mounted to rotate on said shaft, and comprising a platform having an inverted cone shaped air chamber on the bottom thereof through the apex of Which and the center of the platform said shaft extends, and a hand grip fixed to said shaft to provide for the'rotation of the float by users of the device changing their hand holds on said grip.

"2. The combination of an anchor, an upright shaft having a connection With said anchor, a platform mounted to rotate on said shaftand having an inverted cone-shaped air chamber. on the bottom thereof through the apex of which and the center of the plat- ,form said shaft extends, to provide maxi mum buoyancy for the platform With a minimum resistance, and means for rotating the platform. f

3. The combination of an anchor,-an upright shaft having a connection with said anchor, a float mounted to rotate on said shaft and having an inverted cone-shaped air chamber on its bottom through the apex of Which and the centerof the float said shaft extends, and a hand grip fixed to said shaft to provide for the rotation of the float by users of the device changing their hand hold on said grip.

OMER BENJAMIN HUNTER. 

